Coyotes forward lays brutal hit from behind and has to answer the bell

The Florida Panthers under head coach Paul Maurice have never shied away from being a physical team. Game after game and even playoff series after playoff series the Panthers are known to try to wear their opponents down through constant body checks and physicality.

During tonight's game against the Arizona Coyotes, Panthers forward Nick Cousins decided to take a run at Coyotes defenseman Jusso Valimaki.


Coyotes forward Jason Zucker felt he had to return the favor and he did so by rocking Cousins. Zucker received a 5-minute boarding call, 5 minutes for fighting and a 10-minute misconduct.


Gustav Forsling who fought Zucker, received a 2-minute call for instigating and a 10-minute misconduct.

There's been a rise in hits from behind and dangerous plays going on in the NHL this season. As the incidents continue to increase, I would expect the NHL to hand out more penalties for hitting from behind as these can lead to debilitating injuries or even unable to play.

The Florida Panthers went on to win the game 4-1.